Drones Change the Landscape of All Military Specialties

I used to make fun of video gamers and the concept of e-sports teams being showcased in the military. Now, if I were on the battlefield, the e-sports gamers would be someone I would befriend almost as much as the cook and the supply guy. The quadcopter drones and their extensive use and destructive power on the battlefields of Ukraine have made me rethink warfare in a variety of capacities. Traditional military powers are rethinking the battlefield strategy to include all military specialties, not just the front lines.

The Extensive Use of Quadcopters with Ordinance Changes the Way the Infantry Fights

Ukraine has been a painful and bloody battlefield. We have not seen casualties mount like this since World War II for both sides. The use of anti-tank missiles early in the conflict and then the widespread application of quadcopters with explosives has changed the way I look at ground warfare. The greatest (or worst) advancement on the land warfare battlefield has to be the quadcopter with the ordinance.

Both sides are using them extensively in Ukraine, and the methods of land warfare will be forever changed. This use of drones on the battlefield is evolving rapidly with widespread applications.

Don’t fly in my sector!
The warriors from the 3rd Assault Brigade destroyed dozens of russian reconnaissance drones. pic.twitter.com/EnXeVDIx03

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) December 7, 2024

They are becoming more sophisticated and employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and swarm tactics to make matters worse.

There is more technology being thrust into operation. The robot dogs will be a formidable foe on the battlefield as well. These four-legged beasts may be used for reconnaissance and patrol, and with a firearm mounted, they can pack a lethal punch. China is experimenting with a “pack of wolves” in land drone warfare. This group of four-legged drones can operate in unison using AI and remote control. They act more like a pack as they operate, with some being assigned to surveillance and reconnaissance while others are there to make the kill. Segway-like surveillance and observation drones can now provide perimeter awareness and save soldiers from the boring task of guard duty, which is the bright side for your average Joe.

With all these new capabilities, I would expect to see fire teams comprised of drone warfare specialists incorporated into the basic infantry units. They would be tasked with operating and maintaining quadcopters, packs of wolves, and surveillance models. These soldiers would also likely have the daunting task of countering these threats, which is a tall order.

The Use of Drones for Those in the Rear with the Gear

Having spent time in the logistics capacity, I am seeing some amazing advancements in drones, robotics, and automated transportation that will also change the battlefield. The drone wars will not spare any specialty. From my previous understanding, somewhere between 7 and 11 support personnel are needed to support one trigger-pulling infantryman. These service support personnel will also have a shock to the system. Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize the way paperwork is handled and metrics used for the warfighting leadership. This will lead to great efficiency improvements, and either the previous personnel will be moved forward on the battlefield or become redundant.

Supply and transportation functions are changing rapidly in the civilian sector, and the military will soon follow. 2025 will show large amounts of humanoid robots entering the market. These humanoid robots can complete simple tasks and lift repeatedly with ease. They are more accurate, and supply systems are becoming increasingly automated. That’s not the end of it. Self-driving vehicles can move supplies and cargo, much like the proclaimed Tesla (which also makes humanoid robots, by the way).

In automated warehouse and transportation environments, humanoid robots and self-driving trucks will be plentiful and inexpensive as opposed to traditional labor. Some of the latest humanoid robots are hitting the market for a little bit over $20k. There will likely be a few supervisors and operators of the equipment with limited maintenance personnel to keep the robots and vehicles going.

Personnel Shifts in Military Occupational Specialties

These advancements in technology in all specialties will give the opportunity for leaps in efficiency and productivity and likely reduce the manpower requirements of combat support personnel. I would take a guess that 50 percent of the positions will be eliminated or drastically changed for these combat support personnel. This will likely push the servicemembers closer to the action and create an automation and robotic overhaul for all branches. It seems the Drone Wars have begun, and our Armed Forces must meet the challenge of adapting to the new environment.